I AM writing to answer the letter from Mrs Hannah Sutcliffe, Press Assistant for the PDSA (BEN, Feb 16 -- 'Animal Hospital Project in Town'), which was in reply to my letter printed on February 7.

I wish to draw her attention to the following points:

The people of Bolton are not unaware of the enormous cost for such an undertaking and this is the very cause for our concern;

The PDSA is rapidly losing its credibility, together with the goodwill of the Bolton people. This is often borne out by the staff at the Bolton shop having to fend off the questions from customers who cannot believe that they are not privy to any developments;

When animals are in need of help, all the staff can do is to refer them to the nearest Animal Hospital, which is the Trafford Clinic, and where they cannot be treated because they live outside the area or, alternatively, to refer them to the RSPCA who are able to respond.

The only question you answered was to inform us that a site has been purchased, the others remain unanswered. It sounds like the syndrome: 'A cheque is in the post!'

It is over four years since the matter was raised and a great amount of money must have been accrued for Bolton by Bolton people. I ask again: Is the money raised in Bolton invested for use in this project? If so what is the current amount? When will building commence? What is the projected completion date?

As Press Assistant to the PDSA, surely you realise the importance and value of keeping people informed so that they may be motivated to raise funds, buy bricks, involve schools, etc, for the project.

Too much time has passed and opportunities missed. The Bolton Evening News would, I am sure, publicise any press releases you may care to forward to them.

I await your reply with the answers to my questions.

Miss J M Yarwood

Whittle Hill

Egerton